American GSD Conformation

by hoof n paw on 18 October 2009 - 20:10

We went to our second AKC conformation show of the entire year today. I was under impressed with the low rider look of the rear ends I saw on both GSD Dogs and Bitches. Nice gates and rich colors, but not a single performance title (obedience, tracking, agility, ralley, herding, or hint of SchH) to be seen among any of the entrants except our old guy. His half German and American lines produced a strong and straight back end thats letting him earn obedience and agility titles at nine. I didn't expect to get a good look from the judge, but it was somewhat cathartic to know that the dog that was selected for Winners Dog and Best of Winners was the one that took our class. There wasn't but one female that had a working sire out of Mittelwest and suprisingly she was overlooked in her class as well. Oh well room in dog sports for all tastes, and budgets, and interests. Makes one wonder what the effect of requiring some demonstration of performance ability would have if AKC required that before a dog could be shown in conformation?

by Samba on 18 October 2009 - 23:10

You are kidding, right?

by hoof n paw on 19 October 2009 - 02:10

I have to make a correction there was one Bitch with a Ralley Novice (RN) title. One needs to be completely accurate. Hey anyone know if it's legal to stack your dog with their front feet on a stool or somethin? Then he could have that AKC real low rider raked look. Now that I think about it there was a stairwell close and if I could get him to stop with his front feet on the third step and his bottom feet.................. Now where did I put that show rules booklet?

by VonIsengard on 19 October 2009 - 02:10

NA is not rally novice, it is novice agility. RN is rally novice.

by ramagsd on 19 October 2009 - 02:10

Breeding dogs that can work, or even become sentry or police dogs, or attain performance titles is often not a breeding goals for many breeders of the GSD seen in the AKC ring. This is especially true of the Specialty shows. They will state how "great" their temperament is, but have no proof of it through testing their breeding stock. Their goals often about a certain look, a certain "flying trot gait" and less on utility.I had to go back 10 generations plus in my females pedigree to find a working title. If I had a nickel for everytime someone said - "why does your dog walk so funny?" I'd be rich. My poor American Girl (RIP)
There are many threads out there on the spectacle of the American SHowline GSD - weak backs and rears. There are some that can do schutzhund but they are the exception

by ramagsd on 19 October 2009 - 02:10

Breeding dogs that can work, or even become sentry or police dogs, or attain performance titles is often not a breeding goals for many breeders of the GSD seen in the AKC ring. This is especially true of the Specialty shows. They will state how "great" their temperament is, but have no proof of it through testing their breeding stock. Their goals often about a certain look, a certain "flying trot gait" and less on utility.I had to go back 10 generations plus in my females pedigree to find a working title.
There

by GSD Justice on 19 October 2009 - 03:10

Germany is the best place to get a German Shepherd. Hmmmm. . . ,wonder why? I could care less about AKC and their opinions of the GSD. The AKC does not believe a GSD should participate in biting exercises. Listen, a GSD with solid DNA knows how to bite. The Schh training teaches the dog when to do it and to release if he/she does bite. For me and my house, nothing but East German blood lines.

by ramagsd on 19 October 2009 - 23:10

GSD Justice: I disagree that Germany is the best place to get a puppy. Many excellent breeders of good working dogs in the USA

by Dawn G. Bonome on 20 October 2009 - 03:10

I agree with GSD JUSTICE!

As for me and MY HOUSE..... Germany and The German Dog, only I prefer and own, West German.
This is my opinion, and this is what I like.

D.B.

by Beaugsd on 21 October 2009 - 03:10

I just returned from the GSDCA National in Ohio. I was very disappointed to see that the quality of the dogs has not improved in the past few years. The dogs are still very spindley, walking on their hocks and very few have any performance titles. Rally is not exactly what I would call a performance title. It seems to be a title or someting to do with an older dog that has been shown in obedience or agility that can no longer jump and I believe it has a place, but should not be considered for a ROM.
The Nationals were poorly attended and I do believe more people are going over to the German lines and doing more obedience, agility, herding and Schutzhund where they can actually do something with their dog. The dogs here are not bred to work. What a shame for a once noble breed! Before I get hate mail, please be advised not ALL American dogs fall into this category, but the ones I saw this weekend sure did........
Pat

American GSD Conformation - Page 1

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